Introduction
If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food but don’t want to stray from your Weight Watchers (WW) plan or your healthy eating goals, look no further than this Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce. This dish brings all the indulgence of a classic pasta meal with the added bonus of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a creamy mozzarella sauce—without the guilt. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to incorporate veggies and lean meats into your diet while keeping SmartPoints low.
The combination of whole-wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and creamy mozzarella sauce makes this meal feel indulgent and filling without overloading you on points. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for pasta in a way that fits your lifestyle goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some reasons why this Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce should be at the top of your recipe list:
- Low in SmartPoints: Despite being a comforting, creamy pasta dish, it’s surprisingly low in SmartPoints, making it perfect for those on the WW plan. You get the satisfaction of a pasta meal without going over your daily point allowance.
- Packed with Protein and Veggies: Lean ground beef adds protein and fullness, while the veggies (like zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach) offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Quick and Easy: With a few simple steps, this dish can be on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a satisfying but easy-to-make dinner.
- Kid-Friendly: With its creamy sauce and pasta base, this dish is perfect for kids too! You can sneak in those healthy veggies without anyone noticing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this dish and store it in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy a delicious, healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients for Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need for this satisfying dish:
Main Ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Pasta: 8 oz (about 2 cups uncooked) – Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional pasta, which helps keep you fuller longer.
- Lean Ground Beef (93% lean): 1 lb – Lean ground beef is the primary protein source in this dish, and it adds a rich, savory flavor. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Zucchini: 1 medium, sliced or diced – Zucchini is a low-carb vegetable that adds texture, vitamins, and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups – Fresh spinach adds a pop of green, boosts the nutritional value, and provides fiber.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) – Canned diced tomatoes provide moisture, flavor, and antioxidants. You can opt for a low-sodium version to reduce your salt intake.
- Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup, shredded – This cheese adds a creamy, melty texture to the sauce without adding too many calories or fat.
- Low-Fat Milk: 1 cup – A healthier alternative to heavy cream, low-fat milk helps create a creamy texture without packing on the calories.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – A small amount of olive oil is used for sautéing the ground beef and vegetables, providing healthy fats.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which enhances the flavors in the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish
- Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add your whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to save a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef to the pan and use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to add depth of flavor. Stir to combine and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the zucchini for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, until it wilts down. Finally, add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir everything together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the 1 cup of low-fat milk. Stir to combine with the vegetables and ground beef. Let the milk warm up, then add the ½ cup of shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked whole wheat pasta to the skillet with the creamy mozzarella sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the dish hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy, veggie-packed, Weight Watchers-approved pasta!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. The nutritional information provided below is based on the ingredients listed and serving size.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Net Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Calcium: 25% of the daily value
- Iron: 15% of the daily value
WW SmartPoints
For Weight Watchers users, this recipe comes in at just 5 SmartPoints per serving on the Blue, Green, and Purple Plans. This is a fantastic option for a filling and delicious meal that won’t break your point bank.
- Blue Plan: 5 SmartPoints
- Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints
- Purple Plan: 5 SmartPoints
You can enjoy this creamy, hearty meal and still stay within your daily SmartPoints allowance, making it a go-to dish for any WW member.
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer to use a leaner protein, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These will still provide great flavor but with fewer calories and fat.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in this dish. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cauliflower to up the fiber and nutrients.
- Make It Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative, or skip the cheese entirely and use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy base.
- Save Time with Pre-Cut Veggies: If you’re short on time, buy pre-sliced zucchini or use frozen spinach to speed up the cooking process.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping! Cook a large batch, divide it into individual portions, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
The Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan or anyone who is simply looking for a delicious, lighter alternative to traditional pasta dishes. With its combination of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and creamy sauce, it’s a balanced, filling meal that will keep you satisfied without overindulging in SmartPoints. Enjoy it as a quick dinner for the family, or make it ahead for a week’s worth of meals—you won’t regret it!
